EHRC respond to the budget

Our recent research shows the poorest and most disadvantaged in our society have been hit the hardest by recent budgets. They will lose 10 percent of their income by 2022. This Budget has not set out how that will be reversed. While we welcome the changes to delivering Universal Credit which will reduce the impact on people’s lives of problems in delivery, five weeks is still too long for them to wait. This Budget was a missed opportunity to help the most disadvantaged in society. For instance, it is estimated that 1.8 million disabled people have housing needs that are not met. We are conducting an inquiry into this issue and the Government must address it in their housing plans. Disabled people, as well as everyone else, also have dreams to live in decent homes.